Fireworks and Freedom

This year we are celebrating our 250th birthday as a country. Many Americans find great enjoyment in fireworks, especially on the Fourth of July. Over the years, I have personally grown very fascinated with them as I've aged. On the Fourth of July, the sounds of fireworks echo for miles around, the night sky aglow with colorful sparks of light. It brings to mind our national anthem and imaginings of what those battles must have seemed like to our ancestors. As they heard explosions ring out across our infant country, what was going through their minds? We hardly had a military to speak of, yet we decided to take on the country that ruled half the world at the time. Many of our great leaders were only young men in their 20s. We were 13 small colonies up against arguably the strongest world power at the time. Washington himself faced death many times over even before he became a General leading farmers into battle. There was no reason why we should have won if not for the sovereignty of the All-Mighty God.

250 years later, we are still celebrating that miraculous victory.

250 years of loyal dogs

In light of our country's upcoming birthday, we decided to research stories about dogs during the American Revolution. As you might know, the father of our country, George Washington, absolutely adored dogs. He owned several Greyhounds, Coonhounds, staghounds, Terriers, many toy breeds, and even a poodle! He had a great fondness for the dogs at Mount Vernon, spending time with each one and coming up with creative names for his pups. One staghound named Sweet Lips accompanied him to the battlefield and the First Continental Congress. He is also the breeder behind the American foxhound. There is even a story of Washington's soldiers discovering a lost dog on the battlefield that belonged to General Howe. Instead of keeping the dog captive as his soldiers suggested, Washington had a messenger return the dog to the British general.

Others, like Charles Lee and John Adams, also had a great love for dogs. Lee was known to keep a Pomeranian (Spado) at his side. After messaging Washington about missing his dogs, he was permitted to bring Spado on his campaigns. John Adams also owned several dogs, his wife's favorite being a dog named Juno. It is also said that soldiers often kept their dogs at camps, like Valley Forge, for companionship and to remind themselves of home.

What you may not know, though, is that 1776 was also a turning point for dogs as well. In 1772, while dog ownership was becoming quite common, city leaders of Williamsburg were not kind to strays or any dogs that caused "mischief". Females were not allowed in the city, a home could not own more than two dogs, and those dogs had to be tagged with the owner's initials. Any dog who did not follow those requirements was to be killed. However, in 1775, dog companionship was a common part of our young country's culture, and in 1776, an Anglican clergyman, Humphry Primatt, wrote a document titled A Dissertation on the Duty of Mercy and Sin of Cruelty to Brute Animals. It is often called the Declaration of Independence for Animals. Humanitarianism from the Enlightenment, and the growing need and love of dogs, brought in a new age of humanitarian acts for animals. So, we are not only celebrating 250 years of our country's birth, but also 250 years of loyal dog companions and fighting against animal cruelty.

It's rather fitting that our country continues to love animals just as much as our forefathers.

Read more about American dogs in history here.

Read more about George Washington's dogs here.

Staying Safe While Celebrating

While celebrating this monumental anniversary, it's important that you keep your animals safe. The 4th of July is the most active day of the year for runaways. Many dogs get anxious from the sound of fireworks. And while your dog might seem fine, it is extra important that you keep your dog indoors or on a leash. Exercise earlier in the day and keep them calm and relaxed in an enclosed space in the evening.

Check out our calming treats for a non-CBD treat that calms your dog naturally with long-trusted ingredients. These treats are perfect for situational anxiety that may occur on July 4th or any other situation.

Have a great Fourth of July, stay safe, and have fun!